The teenager who could force Tom Cleverley into the shade at Old Trafford

Manchester United are currently trying to poach Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines away from Goodison Park but it’s another Everton star, Ross Barkley who could shortly be on their radar.

Barkley was one of the stand out players for Everton in their opening 2-2 draw away at Norwich City and it was a performance which could cause United to take another look at a player they have already been linked with this summer.

Barkley is a young midfielder who seems to have a bit of everything; pace, skill on the ball, strength and vision.

Barkley didn’t seem to have any fear whatsoever against Norwich City and there have already been a few comparisons to the way Steven Gerrard first played when he broke into the first team ranks of Liverpool.

By comparison, Tom Cleverley went into United’s first game of the season looking to turn his form around and prove to all United supporters why the club doesn’t need to go out and make extra midfield signings.

He had a decent game against Swansea but his impact over 90 minutes didn’t really do much to convince the fans who doubt he’s good enough for the club that they’re wrong to hold that view point.

Cleverley and Barkley are very similar players in physical stature and the way they go about their football so if David Moyes decides he wants to seriously go after Barkley along with Fellaini and Baines, it could be very bad news for Cleverley.

Cleverley is going to get further chances but the point is he needs to find his top form very quickly if he’s going to convince Moyes that he doesn’t need to go out and bring in the extra midfield cover.

It’s slightly different for Nick Powell, another similar player to both Cleverley and Barkley although slightly more advanced, because Powell isn’t near the first team at the moment.

Barkley’s arrival would simply keep him where he is because he hasn’t had that chance to prove that he can play positively and consistently for the club over an extended period.

Of the two, Cleverley is in more danger of being moved on should Fellaini, but more importantly Barkley, arrive at the club because he’s the one with the first team place at the moment.

Lewis Doe

Lewis Doe is a freelance writer and editor who seeks to bring you the biggest, smallest and most interesting stories from the football world. Lewis has previously written for some of the biggest football news and opinion sites in the world including FootballFanCast and Goal.com International. Lewis is also experienced writing in the betting industry and aims to deliver his stories with up to date factual and statistical information. He hopes to sum up stories for the site and provide an angle on the issue moving forward.Lewis is HITC Sport's La Liga correspondent.